Media Statements
We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others).
Victims deplore high profile role for controversial Cardinal Dolan
We are troubled that Cardinal Dolan, who has acted recklessly and deceitfully in recent clergy sex abuse and cover up cases, is being given such a prominent role at a political convention. In four recent instances, Dolan has acted recklessly, callously or deceptively.
OR - Victims blast archbishop’s “deceptive & callous” remarks
Shame on Portland Archbishop John Vlazny for his extraordinarily deceitful and hurtful remarks today about a pedophile priest and his victim.
CA - Group wants 'outreach' about accused priest and military chaplain
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is urging Catholic bishops in California and Texas to warn their flocks about a priest who is accused of attempted rape.
MO - SNAP opposes unconstitutional new MO law
Every churchgoer deserves to be able to worship in peace. We in SNAP deplore anyone who disrupts a worship service of any type for any reason. At the same time, however, it’s crucial that everyone’s freedom of speech is protected.
MN - Priest working with Minnesota group is accused of abuse
A Catholic priest who works with a Hilo based church music group is being accused of molesting two boys in Hawaii and acknowledges he faced a third similar accusation.
IA - SNAP applauds Judge forcing diocese to list accused priests
An Iowa judge is ordering Davenport Catholic officials to publicly list three accused priests on their diocesan website. The accused priests are Rev. John Bonn, Rev. Michael Broderick, and Rev. William Dawson.
GA - Third victim of pedophile priest files police report
An Atlanta-area man has filed a police report charging that a Savannah Catholic priest molested him as a child, and clergy sex abuse victims are prodding Georgia church officials to widely publicize the latest allegations against the recently-ousted cleric.
CA - SNAP to Gomez: “Insist that your flock act properly in child sex cases”
In response to what they are calling a "stunning silence by Catholic officials and shocking callousness by Catholics parishioners," victims of sexual abuse are begging the head of the Los Angeles archdiocese to speak out about the arrest of two accused pedophile priests. And they want him to insist that his flock respond “appropriately” when clerics are accused of molesting kids.
MO- Bishop wants evidence kept out of court; SNAP responds
Just because Bishop Finn claims he didn’t see all this evidence, it’s supposed to be suppressed?
OR- Pedophile priest denied bail; SNAP responds
We’re grateful that Fr. Perez is being kept locked up and away from kids. He’s clearly a flight risk.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director